By RAMPADOR ALINDOG
Kent Villarba was named grand champion of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” Season 9 after earning standing ovations for both of his powerhouse performances during the “Huling Tapatan” grand finals held last Saturday, Nov. 8.
The Cebuano singer, who also celebrated his birthday on the same day, garnered the highest combined score of 98% from the hurados and madlang people, triumphing over fellow finalists Lucky Galindez (92%) and Angelica Magno (56%).
Kent sealed his victory with a show-stopping medley of IV of Spades hits, impressing the judges and audience with his polished vocals and stage confidence.
In an interview, Kent maintained he didn’t expect the win.
“Honestly, ‘di ko in-expect mananalo ako. Alam ko sa sarili ko nung time na sumalang ako, konti lang time ginugol ko aralin lahat,” he said.
“May mabibigat pa ako iniisip kasi bumabagyo sa amin, nag-aalala ko sa kapwa-Cebuano and family ko,” he added.
He plans to share his winnings to fellow Cebuanos affected by the recent spate of natural calamities.
“Para ito sa mga Cebuano,” he said.
This season’s all-star panel of hurados were composed of Ogie Alcasid, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuñiga, Dingdong Avanzado, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Nyoy Volante, Yeng Constantino, Mark Bautista, Klarisse de Guzman, Lani Misalucha, and Louie Ocampo.
As the new “TNT” grand champion, Kent took home 1 million pesos in cash, a recording contract with ABS-CBN Music, a management contract with Star Magic, and a trophy.
Meanwhile, Lucky received 100,000 pesos and Angelica 50,000 pesos.
Fellow grand finalists Aaron Lao, Jude Tangkion, and Almaerra Recentes each received 20,000 pesos.
“It’s Showtime” airs Monday to Saturday, 12 NN on GMA, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and Facebook, iWant, and TFC IPTV.
